Ag lime is the cornerstone of all good fertility programs. Regulating your soil’s pH with a lime material is one of the highest impact and lowest cost practices that you can do to manage your crop land. Using the best varieties and cultural practices alone will not allow the crop to reach its full potential unless soil fertility is properly managed. Aglime and fertilizer work hand in hand to support a strong fertility program. Research has shown that the N, P and K are more available to plants as soil pH increases. Much research has been done to find an optimum pH range for the crop being grown. Through this research, it has been determined that high levels of acidic soil can reduce crop yields, reduce nutrient availability, and affect the crop herbicide performance. Soil can become acidic through the normal practice of adding sulfur or nitrogen fertilizers.
Recent studies have observed the negative effect low pH will have on Maize and soybean yields. Studies indicate Maize is not responsive to lime application unless the pH drops below 5.0.
Soybeans on the other hand have shown significant yield loss at pH below 6.3. In general, yield responses ranged from 25 to 40% as the pH was brought to the optimum range. Early studies from Agricultural Research Stations have shown that a soil pH of 6.3 is required for optiumum yields. In general, it is recommended to maintain soil pH for the most sensitive crop in the rotation.
The most economical tool available to the producer is the soil test. A soil test will determine the degree of soil acidity and the amount of liming material needed to neutralize that acidity. Not all limestone is the same. Lime can vary on chemical purity and speed of reaction. Chemical purity is determined by the material’s calcium carbonate equivalent (the neutralizing effect compared to pure calcium carbonate). The speed of reaction is determined by the fineness of the material (based on the percent of materials passing through a 20-, 60-, and 100- mesh sieve). Solubility of the limestone increases as it is ground finer.
The period from October to January presents an excellent opportunity for farmers and agricultural enthusiasts to plan ahead for the upcoming cropping season by applying lime to their fields. This important amendment takes approximately three to six months to interact effectively with soil particles, which means that applying it in this period can provide a significant head start as you prepare for the next growing season. By taking this proactive step, you can enhance soil health and nutrient availability, ultimately leading to better crop yields and a more successful agricultural endeavor. Investing time in lime application during these months can pave the way for a fruitful and thriving planting season ahead.
